Emirates SkyCargo flies 2.6 million tonnes of cargo

Emirates SkyCargo transported almost 2.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2018, including fruit and vegetables, space satellites, pharmaceuticals and domestic pets.

Over 73,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical cargo flew with Emirates SkyCargo, including 1.8 million doses of vaccines flying from Italy to Brazil.

The exclusive freighter flight carried 36 special purpose containers in what Emirates SkyCargo says was one of the largest and most technically challenging charter flights it has undertaken.

Emirates SkyCargo introduced the pharma corridors initiative across select destinations, and by working with ground handling partners and other stakeholders, the initiative ensures uniform high standards for handling temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals from origin to destination.

Over 1,100 tonnes of perishables were transported every day, varying from Norwegian salmon, mangoes from South Asia, meat from Australia, fresh seafood from Sri Lanka, Scotland and South Africa, dairy and chocolate from Ireland, green beans from Kenya, lychees and rambutans from Vietnam, strawberries from California, and wine and cheese from France.

In 2018, Emirates SkyCargo transported 7,900 domestic cats and dogs, and launched Emirates Pets to provide air transport for pets with options for door to door pickup and delivery.

Over 1,140 cars flew with Emirates SkyCargo including two Alfa Romeos for the Gumball 3000.

Other cars included a DeLorean from Los Angeles for the Gumball 3000; a Koenigsegg Agera RS1, one of 25 in existence; and an Aston Martin One 77 travelled from Auckland to London.

Other precious cargo included the Khalifasat – the first satellite developed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre – from Dubai to Seoul.

Emirates SkyCargo also operated 395 charter flights, including 19 flights in September to transport 500 horses from Liege, Belgium to Greenville-Spartanburg, USA for the FEI World Equestrian Games Tyron 2018.

Over the course of the year, almost 1,800 horses travelled on Emirates SkyCargo’s Boeing 777 Freighters to participate in major international equestrian and racing events.